The bee and the sting

No. 11 on the route

Each animal had a gift, had something meaningful to do

so God was content with creation.

Then a bee flew there, spoke with spiteful buzzing:

'And then what is planned for me?'

That's right, said the Lord, stupidly forgot,

But for you I have something beautiful in store.

All those fragrant flowers, you may date with them

And touch too, every flower you see.

Every flower pours you nectar, without any resistance,

In your den it becomes honey, yes believe me, 'tis real.

When the little bee heard that, he flew quickly to the grassland

and he followed his nose henceforth, without hesitation.

His hole filled up quickly and after a while

drifted the scent of honey over forest and heather

Every animal of creation joined the ranks

Of waiting under the bee's den.

But the bee didn't budge, no he didn't think about sharing:

'The honey is mine, I earned it honestly.'

And any beast that dared to steal from the honey

received a sting from his sting.

It was God in the high who called the bee to himself

And told him: you have forfeited your rights.

Exclusive was the gift I created for you

but not the honey you grew.

Every animal has the right to eat of the honey

And you make yourself subservient to their dire need.

To make sure you won't forget:

from now on go after a prick with your sting... dead.

© 2021 Geurt Franzen

After a story by Selma Lagerlöf